Paille Excited for Three More Seasons

BostonBruins.com – The Boston Bruins have re-signed Daniel Paille to a three-year contract extension and it suits the left wing just fine.

Paille

The speedy forward was in no hurry to leave the Bruins when he hit free agency on July 1.

“I’ve always wanted to be here, I never wanted to leave,” Paille told BostonBruins.com. “The fact that the Bruins organization feels the same way definitely means a lot.

"To get it done now is even more special," added Paille. "A month is a long time when you’re waiting for a contract.”

Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli said he looks forward to seeing the 28-year-old continue to improve throughout the next three seasons.

“Since we acquired Dan in a trade I really feel our penalty killing and our team speed has improved, and Dan played a large part in helping those areas,” said the GM during a conference call to discuss the signing. “In my mind he’s still a young player, and I think he’s still learning things.

"We’ve seen some players learn in their later 20s, and I believe Dan is that type of player.”

Paille appeared in 69 games this season, recording nine goals, six assists, and 15 penalty minutes. The winger was a powerful presence on the penalty kill, and netted two short-handed goals and also scored against the Washington Capitals in Game 3 of this spring's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The 28-year-old was originally signed by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round (20th overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft and was traded to the Bruins in exchange for a third round draft pick in 2009.

The Ontario native remains steadfast in his belief that Boston was always a great fit for him.

“Every moment here has been phenomenal for me,” said Paille. “The last three seasons we’ve made the playoffs every year and we were fortunate enough to win [the Stanley Cup] one of the seasons.

"I think we’ve got the right team here, every year, that has the right attitude.”